CCRI Hajinian honored by RI Armenian Community!

05.16.12

CCRI Men's Basketball assistant coach Sam Hajinian was honored Friday night May 11th at the 43rd Annual Saints Sahag & Mesrob Sports Banquet. Hajinian received the organization’s annual Special Recognition Award. This honor was given based upon Sam's dedication and involvement with the R.I. Armenian community as well as his outstanding contributions to the CCRI men's basketball program which led to CCRI making an appearance in this past season's NJCAA DII National Championship game. Sam's speech upon receiving this award focused on his love of basketball and coaching at CCRI and all of the people in his life who support his efforts. Back in 1996, Hajinian's senior year at Cranston High School East he was the recipient of the organization’s Rhode Island Armenian Athlete of the Year Award. CCRI Head Basketball Coach Rick Harris was a guest at the ceremony back in 1996 and this year was the feature guest speaker at the banquet. The focus of his talk was focused on surrounding yourself with positive people, aiming high in regards to setting your goals and reaching out to help others.

Other award recipients during the banquet included: Jillian DeSimone of Lincoln High School, Benjamin Handyanyan of Mount St. Charles and Robert Buehrer of Bishop Hendricken High School who all received the Armenian Athlete of the Year Award/ Charles Yaghoobian Jr. Memorial Award. The Vaughen Avedesian Memorial Scholarship recipients included Susan Chakmakian of Brown University, Christina S. Parnagian of Assumption College and Talene Taraksian of University of Rhode Island.